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Energy Efficient Heat Pump Technology Heat pumps that are powered by renewable electricity (such as solar, wind or a less polluting gas source) can reduce CO2 emissions from heating by as much as 75 percent. Now, innovations in refrigerant gases and other components mean that the latest models are even more efficient. They're also becoming smaller and sleeker to blend in more seamlessly with the interior of your home. Energy Efficiency Heat pumps are more efficient than electric resistance furnaces or other furnaces because they make use of the heat in the air to warm homes, instead of burning fuel. Their efficiency in energy is measured by the coefficient of performance, or COP. A high COP means that one kWh of electricity will provide many kilowatt hours of heat. Heat pumps today have a COP of around four. This means that one kWh can generate four kWh. This means that, even in cold climates, heat pumps are able to drastically reduce carbon emissions from heating buildings. But to truly reduce emissions, it's essential to ensure that the power used by heat pumps comes generated from renewable sources like solar and wind. This will improve the energy efficiency of all heat pump systems, making it possible to operate them with less fossil fuels, and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The efficiency of a pump depends on the temperature in its two reservoirs, the indoor and the outdoor storage tanks. In cooling mode the heat pump utilizes its refrigerant, and draws air heat to transfer between the storage tanks. When the system switches from cooling to heating the flow of heat is reversed. The outdoor coil now becomes the evaporator, while the inside coil serves as a condenser. The reversing valve also alters the direction of the electrical current flowing through the working fluid, which is now acting as a compressor. The increased electrical power causes the working fluid to expand, pushing the ambient heat inside the house. A heat pump can produce seven kilowatt hours of power for every kilowatt hour energy consumed. The higher the COP, the more efficient it is on energy. As the technology advances, new models are designed with a wider range of climates in mind. Certain models are made to withstand freezing temperatures, whereas others have furnaces built in to be used in the most severe conditions. Some utilities and government agencies offer incentives to homeowners who switch from heat pumps to heat pumps, like rebates. There are also efforts to make use of the flexibility of these appliances by utilizing them to store and absorb renewable energy or by rewarding consumers for helping shift peak demand away from fossil fuels. Efficiency Ratings Consumers should consider heat pump efficiency ratings. They're a good way to compare a heat pump to another and ensure sure you're buying the best quality equipment. The most popular ratings are SEER and HSPF. These ratings indicate how well a heater performs during the heating and cooling seasons. Other ratings that are helpful include EER, SCOP, ERP IPLV, NPLV and EER. The EER rating of a heat pump is a measure of how effectively it uses electrical energy to generate cooling. The EER rating is determined by the cooling output in relation to the electrical input. Higher ratings indicate higher efficiency. A good place to start when searching for a brand new heat pump is to choose one that has an EER rating of high. It's a good idea to invest even when the minimum SEER rating that is allowed currently is 13. This will pay off in lower energy costs and less energy consumption in the long run. Generation X was born during the oil crisis and has been driving the drive for more energy efficient appliances. Since 1992, the U.S. Department of Energy has established minimum standards for the SEER and HSPF ratings of heat pumps. While SEER is the most frequently used cooling rating, it's important to look for a heat pump that has an HSPF rating that is high as well. Heat pumps with a high HSPF rating will be more expensive initially, but they'll pay for themselves in the form of significant energy savings over time. They also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help improve the environment. There are a variety of factors that can impact the energy efficiency of a heater in terms of its size, as well as how it's set up in the home. A buffer tank, for example one that allows warmer return water to mix with cooler supply water can lower efficiency. This is especially true if it doesn't have a thermostatic mixing valve. Another factor to consider is how the heat pump's ductwork is constructed and insulated. If the ducts are not properly constructed or not insulated they could decrease the heat pump's airflow and make it work harder to achieve the desired temperature. In some instances, the technician may be able to fix the issue by cleaning the evaporator, or changing the refrigerant charges. Installation A heat pump is an heating and air conditioning system that is able to cool your home much like an air conditioner. It is a replacement for traditional heating methods, including gas furnaces. A Carrier expert can help you select the right heat pump for your home and the climate. A key advantage of the heat pump is that it is able to perform well in moderate climates, unlike other heating systems. This is because the heat pump draws in air to provide warmth. This air can come from the ground, the air inside your home, or the air outside your home according to the type of heat pump you choose. The main purpose of a heat pump is that it can pull the same energy from the air in your house which it uses to cool your home. It does this by utilizing the reversing valve, which changes the direction of the flow of refrigerant. The heat is transferred from the air into the refrigerant by blowing air across the coil of evaporation. The reversing switch then changes the flow direction to condensers. This transfers the heat to the indoor air and the cycle repeats. Have a look at having several in-home consultations from different installation companies if you're considering the installation of a heat pump. Then, you can compare the prices and energy efficiency ratings that each company offers. This will give you an idea of the prices, benefits, and long-term reliability of each heat pump installation. Your local Carrier expert will assist you install a new heat-pump by correctly sizing it and arranging it for optimal performance. They can assess the particular requirements for cooling and heating of your home, as well the condition and size of your ductwork. This will help them choose the best heat pump for your home and budget. In addition to making sure that the heat pump is the right size for your home, an HVAC professional can also advise you on how to upgrade your house to improve its energy efficiency. This can aid in saving even more energy with your new system. For instance, upgrading your insulation or fixing air leaks can make your heat pump last longer through winter by allowing it to draw in ambient air from the colder outdoors. Maintenance Like your car, heat pumps require a regular tune-up to ensure optimal performance. Two maintenance visits a year, one in the spring and another in the fall, will make your system function properly during the heating season. heat-pump tumble dryer heating system that fails to work correctly will likely need to use more energy to achieve the same level of comfort as a well-maintained unit, which will result in higher utility costs every month. There are a number of home maintenance tasks to improve the efficiency of your heat pump and extend its lifespan. For example cleaning your air filter every month (or replacing reusable filters) will improve the quality of your indoor air and ensure that the heat pump is operating less efficiently to circulate the same amount of air. Keep outdoor units clear of leaves, debris and other wildlife to avoid obstructions to airflow. This can also improve the efficiency of your heat pump. A simple task to do is to check your heating system regularly for blown fuses or circuit breakers. They could be the result an electrical overload or an ignition issue that requires professional attention. It is also important to test your thermostat frequently to ensure that it's operating at right temperature and not sending the system into overdrive. If you hear strange noises emanating from your heat pump, it is often a sign of a clogged air duct or dirty fan that needs professional help. It is a good idea to clean the evaporator coils periodically. This will help reduce dust accumulation and improve airflow. Finally, ensuring the condensate drain is clear of obstructions will help prevent blockages, water leaks and potential fire hazards. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on your system and its age, as well as how easily accessible it is to a technician. Repairing smaller systems that and cool a single room is less costly than larger units which provide air conditioning for the entire home. The location of a heater in a crawlspace will also affect repair and maintenance costs.